Candida antigen

Candida antigen refers to a mix of fungal cell wall components—primarily mannoproteins and mannans—derived from Candida species such as Candida albicans. These antigens are not a single molecule but complex heterogenous mixtures of glycoproteins, polysaccharides, and associated proteins, often used in diagnostic assays to detect candidiasis by measuring antigen or antibody levels in patient serum. The immunodominant antigen is generally mannan (a phosphomannoprotein complex), whose structure and antigenicity can vary by fungal strain, morphology, and environmental conditions. "Candida antigen" is not a specific molecular target but a functional group of components involved in immune recognition and clinical diagnostics rather than a druggable target.

Other names

Candida cell wall antigenCandida albicans cell wall antigenCandida mannan antigenC. albicans antigenFungal antigen